If you’ve read even one book on writing, you’ve heard some contradictory advice. On one hand, you’re supposed to keep your language “fresh” and “original,” “rendering” it through the character’s point of view. On the other hand, you’re told to avoid “purple prose,” “over-writing,” and “heavy-handedness.” Here’s a quick rule of thumb. You don’t need embellished language (or “rendered” language,…
Dear friends, clients, fellow writers, and readers: In honor of this year’s holiday season, I’d like to say thank you for what you add to my life and business, The Threepenny Editor. I count myself lucky beyond reason for the chance to work every day with people who are as committed to books, writing, learning, and ideas as you all…
In another post, I ventured a functional definition of speculative fiction. I said that a manuscript is “speculative” (i.e., fantasy, sci-fi, or anything in between) if it requires the writer to invent a rule or condition for their world that acts as a metaphor for the novel’s theme. In other words: If you make something up, that something has to…
The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri My rating: 5 of 5 stars If there is one book I cite more than Strunk and White’s classic The Elements of Style, it is Lajos Egri’s relatively obscure gem. I happened upon it thanks to a writer-friend of a writer-friend who took one of James Frey’s (no, not that James Frey,…
This short introduction to character will help you make smart, strategic choices about who gets the starring role in your novel. It’s a tutorial based on an important concept discussed in my writing guide, The Editor’s Lexicon: Essential Writing Terms for Novelists.
This short introduction to structure will help you diagnose and fix problems with your novel’s plot. It’s a tutorial based on an important concept discussed in my writing guide, The Editor’s Lexicon: Essential Writing Terms for Novelists.
This short clip is a lesson on how to use plot points to improve your novel’s pace, keep your character development on track, and prevent your reader from falling asleep. Remember–you can be your own best editor! See my book, The Editor’s Lexicon, for more tips like this.
This short clip is a lesson on how to move from situation to scene quickly, in the first few pages. Remember–you can be your own best editor! See my book, The Editor’s Lexicon, for more tips like this.
Become a revision-savvy writer or reviewer with the help of The Editor’s Lexicon: Essential Writing Terms for Novelists. It decodes, defines, and provides helpful examples of the editorial jargon used in writing workshops, critiques, and online forums. Written by an experienced editor and writing teacher, this dictionary-style reference book is a fundamental guide for writers across the spectrum of experience, editors…
…and not make your editor regret drinking that third cup of coffee, because her nerves are getting seriously frayed. Microsoft Word’s find-and-replace feature is a writer’s friend. Find it under the Edit menu, as “Replace…” or just hit Control-F and click on the “Replace” tab. At the bottom of the window you’ll see a button to expand the window and…
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